Introduction

In this section we analyze the engineering decisions that were made during the design of our product, considering the many design questions ,in Table 1 (under the table one link above),of a few vital components of our product.In this section we also analyses the complexity of the parts in question using our derived Complexity Scale which can be found under the Complexity Scale,see link above. The parts which we pick are the Piston (Part Number 61),Piston Linkage (Part Number 66),Horizontal Disk (Part Number 135),Vertical Drive Disk (Part Number 137),Engine Block (Part Number 49),Auger Blades (Part Number 139),The Crankshaft (Part Number 50),The Flywheel (Part Number 63). We Picked these parts out of the many which exist on our Snow Blower Because of the vital role which they play with both the overall function of the snow blower as well as the internal energy flows and interaction which occur between them.

\'\'\'Piston (Part Number 61)\'\'\'

\'\'\'Component Function:\'\'\'

The component is what is moved by the explosion in the piston chamber. This is also what moves the piston linkage in order to turn the crankshaft.

Its only function is to move the piston linkage in order to turn the crankshaft.

Combustion energy from the explosion that causes expansion moves the piston downward and in turn moves the linkage down which, once connected to the crankshaft is turned into rotational energy.

The piston functions in a lubricated chamber enclosure, called the piston chamber. On one side of the piston there is oil and on the other is the explosive side.

\'\'\'Component Form:\'\'\'

The piston is a symmetrical 3 dimensional cylindrically shaped object with one side being slightly hollowed out.

The height is 1.75 inches

The diameter is 2.75 inches

Since it is a cylinder, the diameter suffices for both length and width

The component is shaped so there is a tight seal to the sides of the chamber so that gas doesn’t escape.

The piston weighs 1.25 pounds.

The piston is made from stainless steel.

Stainless steel is stronger than aluminum but lighter than iron but manufacturing decisions didn’t effect this decision.

The material choice needs to be lightweight but strong to withstand the explosive force.

Environmental and economic factors effected this decision. Being stainless steel allows the piston to not rust and also have the strength that comes with steel as opposed to aluminum so there is less a chance of breaking and is better on the environment due to the lack of waste. Being that stainless costs about the same as aluminum but is stronger, it is a better deal cost wise to use it rather than aluminum.

The piston has zero aesthetic qualities and therefore has a bare finish, no paint, stain or coloration needed since it’s a purely physical component.

\'\'\'Manufacturing Methods:\'\'\'

The piston is press-punch forged, lathed, precision ground and milled.

The precision grinding is evident due to the precision finish in the holes where the pin fits into.

Milling is evident due to the fact that there are holes, and for the slots that the rings fit into.

Lathe work is evident from the lines on the top of the piston that come from the facing operation performed by a lathe.

Forging is evident due to the lack of parting lines, and the internal shape that would be very difficult to mill. There are also stamped numbers in the bottom.

It would be more cost effective to forge stainless steel rather than completely mill or investment cast it.

Being a cylindrical shape it effected the choice to perform multiple lathe operations. The need for a snug fit to the pin required precision grinding and milling was needed for minor holes and slotting.

The need for a strong yet light, product with minimal waste and the ability to withstand rust or decomposition, effected material choice, manufacturing process and finish of the final product.

\'\'\'Component Complexity:\'\'\'

This is a fairly simple component and would get a rating of #2 for its complexity.

The categories above serve as a representation of all of the components of the piston, in detail and therefore is what determines its complexity.

The interactions are very simple and would get a rating of #1

\'\'\'Piston Linkage (Part Number 66)\'\'\'

\'\'\'Component Function:\'\'\'

The only function of the component is that it transfers the explosive energy from the piston chamber to the crankshaft, where it becomes rotational energy. The explosion in the piston chamber cause expansion, which moves the piston downward, which moves the “piston linkage” down and as each of them follows suit, the crankshaft is turned. Combustion energy transferred to rotational energy.

The linkage operates in a full lubricated environment where is surrounded by oil and does not interact with its eternal casing.

\'\'\'Component Form:\'\'\'

The shape of the component is asymmetrical and most comparable to a “baby’s rattle”, in that there are 2 circular ends, with one being larger the other and a bar connecting them.

The linkage is obviously a 3 dimensional object in that it has a length, width, and height.

The length is 5.75 inches.

The width is 2.10 inches.

The height is 0.90 inches.

The larger end of the component is larger to accommodate the larger diameter of the crankshaft as opposed to that of the pin in the piston.

The component is made from aluminum and weighs about 6oz

In manufacturing this, it would be cheaper do die-cast aluminum then to machine the aluminum or to investment-cast steel.

This design was influenced by societal, environmental and economic factors.

By being made from aluminum there is no loss of material due to oxidation and so it will not deteriorate and is 100% recyclable.
By being die-casted, it is cheaper than having it be made with a machining process.
Having the linkage made of aluminum allows it to be lighter than if it were made from steel and so increases performance of the engine which appeals to the always increasing expectations of today’s society.

This component has zero aesthetic purposes and is solely for physical purposes.

The linkage has a dull gray/silver color to it and is because it is unfinished due to the lack of necessity.

\'\'\'Manufacturing Methods:\'\'\'

The linkage was made with 3 manufacturing processes: die-cast, machining and precision grinding.

It is evident that this was cast due to the presence of parting lines, machined due to the separation and the teeth, and precision ground from the inside of the holes.

Material choice affected this decision because die-casting aluminum is cheaper than machining steel.

It is not a complicated shape so it would be an obvious choice to be cast. And the requirement of teeth makes it necessary to machine it but this can be done after casting. Precision grinding is a result of the need for a very close but not too tight fit.

The manufacturing of this part was influenced by both economic and environmental.

It is cheaper to die-cast the aluminum rather than machine it completely machine it. Machining would result in waste that would require remelting/pouring and would result in unneeded energy usage.

More waste results in recycling of the scrap which requires energy consumption and emissions that harm the environment.

\'\'\'Component Complexity:\'\'\'

The component is extremely simple, and most of its completion comes from die-casting.

The difficulty rating would be a #1.

The above categories worked as the basis for the determination of the amount of geometries, processes and difficulty it would take to recreate the linkage and so made up its complexity.

Much like the linkage itself, the interactions are very simple. The explosion in the piston chamber moves the piston which moves the linkage which turns the crankshaft.

The scale for difficulty could be determined by the amount of different types of interactions, the amount of moving parts and complexity of each movement.

\'\'\'Horizontal Disk (Part Number 135)\'\'\'

\'\'\'Component Function:\'\'\'

The Horizontal Disk gets power directly from the engine via the belt and pulley system.

The Linear Movement Pulley (Part 107) is mounted to the drive shaft which is connected directly to the Horizontal Disk. This provides the rotational kinetic energy to engage the Vertical Drive Disk (Part 137) into motion.

\'\'\'Component Form:\'\'\'

The shape of the Horizontal Disk is a flat disk shape with a hole in the center. The drive shaft is mounted in this space and run through the mounting bracket. The general shape of the mounting bracket is a cylinder with a large flat base and supporting arms. All of these parts are largely axis-symmetrical with the disk being more so one dimensional, the shaft is two dimensional, and the mounting bracket is three dimensional.

The disk is 6 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick, the shaft is ¾ in diameter and 6½ inches long, and the mounting bracket is 5 inches in height, 7¼ inches at its widest and 4¾ inches long. The shapes are completely appropriate for the functions they perform. The disk only needs to spin and have another wheel running on it at a 90 degree. The bracket houses the drive shaft so the cylindrical shape is the perfect form for that; the drive shaft is just a simple shaft the needs to spin in a confined space so this is also the idea shape.

The weights of the components are estimated to be 1lb for the Disk, 1lb for the drive shaft, and 10lbs for the mounting bracket.

Both the Disk and the drive shaft are made of aluminum while the mounting bracket is made of caste iron.

The GSEE factors played a role in the decision on the materials. Global reasons would be that both iron and aluminum are readily available materials so manufacturing can take place all around the world. Societal factors come into play when considering the conditions that the product is used in. The parts need to be strong, reliable, and not susceptible to becoming brittle in the cold. Economic factors are focused more on the mounting bracket witch is the heaviest part by far and is made from the cheapest material. This keeps the price down for manufacturing and in turn for the customer.

There are no real aesthetic purposes for the parts since they will generally not be seen by the user. The only painted part is the mounting bracket which is coated grey to help prevent rust.

The surface finish of the disk is rough on the back and smooth on the face that contacts the Vertical Drive Disk.

The mounting bracket is entirely rough and the drive shaft is entirely smooth. The reasoning the shaft is smooth and the face of the disk is smooth is to reduce friction and power loss. The other parts being left rough are more of an economic reason.

\'\'\'Manufacturing Methods:\'\'\'

The most likely method for manufacturing the Disk and Shaft are Die Casting since die casting is generally used for non-ferrous metals and with a somewhat rough texture on the back of the Disk. The Disk on the smooth side was most likely machined with a vertical mill to get the smooth finish.

The shaft was possible subject to the subtractive process of turning to provide the smooth finish. For the mounting bracket the most logical method is sand casting because of the rough texture and the cheap cost. The shapes are all relatively simple so these methods are not necessarily needed but they are quickest and most cost effective.

A global factor that influences manufacturing methods for these components is the age of this technology. Sand casting and die casting are some of the oldest methods used for this type of manufacturing.

A societal factor that influences manufacturing is that these pieces can be mass produced cheaply so if a piece is broken then it can be replaced very quickly.

An economic factor that has an impact on these manufacturing choices is the cost of production. These methods are cheaper than milling or investment casting.

Environmental factors that pertain to these methods are that there is less waste produced. With Die casting there is a permanent mold which gets reused also with all three methods there is less need for total material used for each part.

\'\'\'Component Complexity:\'\'\'

This is a moderately simple component overall with rankings as follows:

\'\'\'Horizontal Disk:\'\'\'

Part Complexity: 2 for having more than one surface finish Interaction Complexity: 1 only has on simple function

\'\'\'Mounting Bracket:\'\'\'

Part Complexity: 2 for having a moderately complex geometric shape Interaction Complexity: 1 only has on simple function

\'\'\'Drive Shaft:\'\'\'

Part Complexity: 1 simple shape and one finish Interaction Complexity: 1 has one simple function

\'\'\'Vertical Drive Disk (Part Number 137)\'\'\'

\'\'\'Component Function:\'\'\'

The main function of the Vertical Drive Disk is to transfer the rotational kinetic energy from the Horizontal Disk to transfer it to the Gear and Chain (Parts 138) which then transfers the energy directly to the wheels and drives the snow blower.

The Vertical Disk can also slide left and right over the Horizontal Disk in order to change the RPM’s or speed at which the snow blower moves. It can also slide to the other side of the Horizontal Disk and have the same function but moving the snow blower in reverse. Since the operating environment is outdoors in the snow the part must be rugged and reliable.

\'\'\'Component Form:\'\'\'

The component is a disk in shape so it also is axis-symmetric through its center. This Disk largely one dimensional since it is comprised of two flat disks mounted together by 5 bolts.

The outside larger disk is 6 inches in diameter and ¾ inch thick but is hollowed out like a shell.

The smaller inner disk is 4½ inches in diameter and 3/8 inch thick.

The Shape being a circular disk is absolutely necessary to perform the required function; since is rotates along the Horizontal disk no other shape would perform without error.

The rough weight of the disk is 1.5lbs and the material it is composed of is caste iron and rubber.

The most logical reasoning for this material being chosen is that it needs to be strong and durable enough to withstand the cold and elements and be exposed to high g forces. Global factors which contributed to the materials being chosen are the abundance of iron throughout the world allows for manufacture in more areas. The Surface finish of the disk is rough and coated in grey paint. This is pure function and not aesthetic as no general user will see this component. The rubber around the edge is smooth most likely to create the most friction between the Horizontal and the Vertical Disk.

\'\'\'Manufacturing Methods:\'\'\'

The method used to create the Vertical Disk was Sand Casting. This is the most likely method because of the rough surface finish that sand casting will result in. The rubber may have been heated up in order to expand it to fit around the disk and then an adhesive would be applied so as it cooled it would shrink fit and become permanently stuck to the disk.

The shape of the disk is very simple and could easily have been done through milling but the GSEE factors influenced the method used. Sand casting is one of the oldest methods for molding metals into the required shape, meaning that this technology would be able to be widely used throughout the world.

Societal factors that influenced this method are that parts can be mass produced very quickly and cheaply so if parts need to be replaced it can be a very quick and cheap process for the consumer.

Economic factors are probably the largest reason for this method being chosen. It is probably the cheapest method available because it uses the least material and the mold can be reused numerous times since it is made of sand.

Environmental factors that play a part in this method being selected are that there is much less material needed and virtually no wasted material.

\'\'\'Component Complexity:\'\'\'

This is a relatively simple component responsible for a lot of function represented as follows:

\'\'\'Vertical Drive Disk:\'\'\'

Part Complexity: 1 very simple shape and one surface finish Interaction Complexity: 2 responsible for speed adjustments in the machine and the direction in which the machine is moving

\'\'\'Engine Block (Part Number 49)\'\'\'

\'\'\'Component Function\'\'\'

The main function of an engine block is to secure and contain all the parts, components and processes that make up the engine by providing a one piece housing unit for all these processes to occur in a compact and space efficient manner

Helps perform multiple functions which include combustion, piston movement and crankshaft rotation by securing the parts and components that carry out this function in a protected and contained space.

Flows that are involved with the engine’s function and therefore are associated with the engine block include fuel input, air input, mechanical energy production from the pistons and crankshaft, and excretion of exhaust. The engine block itself experiences transfer of thermal energy due to the combustion that takes place within it.

The engine block is functioning in a concealed portion of the snow blower and although the snow blower is usually exposed to cold weather conditions, the area surrounding the engine block is considerably hot due to the combustion taking place.

\'\'\'Component Form:\'\'\'

Dimensions/Weight:

Length: 9 in.
8Width: 6 in.
8Height: 10 in.
8Weight: 8 lb.

The general shape of the engine block can be described as rectangular.

Notable properties in the shape of the block include a large cylindrical hole (piston chamber) along with multiple other compartments for various mass/energy flow and threaded holes for bolts.

Primarily three dimensional.

The shape of the engine block is the way it is in order to secure and contain all the parts that make up the engine in the most space efficient way possible. Therefore the shape of the engine block is mainly determined by the shape of the components that make up the engine. For example, the piston chamber is shaped accordingly to accommodate the shape and movement distance of the piston while the crankcase is shaped to accommodate the crankshaft.

Majority of the engine block is made of cast iron. From a manufacturing perspective, cast iron was probably chosen due to the complexity of the shape of the engine block. With the many chambers, holes and other various intricacies, some sort of casting process is an easy method to obtain those specific features of the engine block’s shape. The material fluidity of cast iron is an important quality of the material in order for it to acquire proper shape during casting.

The material required for the function of the engine block must be durable and able to withstand the large amounts of heat resulting from the combustion process within.

Economic factors play a main role in the decision of the material used for the block. Cast iron is much more affordable than steel or aluminum. Although steel is a better quality material and aluminum a lighter material, the benefits and extra cost of these materials weren’t deemed necessary to accomplish the function of an engine block.

There aren’t really any aesthetic qualities of the engine block mainly because the engine block isn’t seen for the most part by the consumer. The color was kept the natural color of the cast iron and there is a relatively rough surface finish for most of the engine block. This rough surface finish is neither an aesthetic or functional necessity. There is a much smoother surface finish in the piston chamber because piston movement requires smooth surroundings to minimize energy loss due to friction.

\'\'\'Manufacturing Methods:\'\'\'

This engine block was primarily made through investment casting. Certain features also suggest additional subtractive processes used to obtain some of the finer details in its shape such as drilling holes with threads for bolts.

The fact that the engine block has riser marks, but doesn’t have parting lines suggests that investment casting was used as opposed to die casting.

Since cast iron has good material fluidity made casting a favorable method of manufacturing.

The high complexity of the shape of the engine block required that casting be used to receive a detailed and precise shape. Further precision was necessary and therefore subtractive processes were necessary to create the thread holes for the bolts.

Both global and societal factors influenced the manufacturing decision. At the time when this engine block was created, advanced CNC machines capable of creating an engine block such as this didn’t exist so casting was pretty much the only option. Regardless, from an economic stand point, casting is a much more affordable method than CNC machining.

\'\'\'Component Complexity:\'\'\'

Part Complexity: 3

The engine block claims a 3 from the part complexity scale due to the complexity of its shape consisting of multiple cut outs, threaded holes and general intricacies. The surface finish of the engine block is not uniform as there is a much higher level surface finish in the piston chamber compared to the rest of the engine block. There were also multiple manufacturing processes involved in the making of the engine block, adding to the complexity of this part.

Interaction Complexity: 3

The engine block is associated with the many different functions that take place within an engine along with the numerous energy flows involved with those functions. Although the engine block itself remains stationary, there are numerous transfers, signals and energy transfers constantly occurring within the containment of the engine block. Therefore, 3 is an appropriate representation of the complexity of the interactions involved with this component.

\'\'\'Auger Blades (Part Number 139)\'\'\'

\'\'\'Component Function\'\'\'

The auger blades are responsible for actually picking up the snow and directing it through and out the chute.

This component doesn’t serve any other function than to pick up snow.

The auger blades experience two type of flows. There is mass flow coming in from the intake of snow and rotational energy flow being transferred to the blades to provide it with the energy necessary to pick up the snow.

This component comes into direct contact with the snow and is therefore operating in a cold and wet environment.

\'\'\'Component Form\'\'\'

Dimensions/Weight:

Length: 15.5 in.
Width: 10 in.
Height: 15.5 in.
Weight: 6 lb.

The shape of the blades can be described as a helical shape with a shaft running through the middle of it.

Component is 3-Dimensional

The blades are shaped in this particular way specifically to allow it to pick up snow in a more effective manner.

The blades are made entirely out of steel.

Steel was used because a durable/strong material was needed to carry out the function of the blades. The blades will be used to push into the snow, break it up and take it in and there will be large amounts of forces taking place in that process. A softer material wouldn’t be able to handle those tasks as effectively.

Manufacturing decisions didn’t impact this material choice as much as functional necessity did.

Global factors impacted this material choice. This snow blower is considerably powerful and intended for places that receive large amounts of snow regularly. Therefore the blades must be appropriate for its intended use.

\'\'\'Manufacturing Methods:\'\'\'

A combination of rolling, extrusion and welding were used to make the blades. Rolling was used to manipulate the steel itself into the proper helical shape desired. Extrusion was used to make the hollow steel shaft that the blade is attached to and welding was used to attach the blades to the shaft.

Evidence supports that rolling was used because there weren’t any riser marks, parting lines or undercuts visible which would’ve been signs that some sort of casting method was used. Evidence supporting that extrusion was used to create the shape of the hollow shaft was once again the fact that no signs of casting were present and extrusion is normally a common method of manufacturing for a simple shape such as a hollow steel tube. Welding marks indicate that welding was used to attach the blade to the shaft.

Material choice played a role in the manufacturing process because steel is a common material that is shaped through rolling. Under high temperatures (and even cold temperatures) with enough force, steel can be bent and rolled into a desired shape.

The helical shape of the blades made rolling a good manufacturing choice since the shape is well within the capabilities of the rolling process.

Economic factors played a role in the determining of the manufacturing process. The shape of this blade could’ve been made through investment casting, but would’ve been a lot more expensive due to the cost of the molds that would’ve been needed. Rolling, extrusion and welding are much more cost effective alternatives that provide a component of the same quality.

\'\'\'Component Complexity:\'\'\'

Part Complexity: 2

The helical shape of the blade along with the hollow cylindrical shaft adds to the overall complexity of this component. Not quite as geometrically simple as something like a wheel, but there aren’t many detailed shapes and intricacies involved in the overall shape of this part, thus making a rating of 2 appropriate.

Interaction Complexity: 1

This component is only really responsible for one simple function which is to pick up snow. There is energy transfer and mass intake (snow) involved, but these are very simple flow transfers involved with the component. Therefore, the simplicity of the auger blades’ function gives it a rating of 1.

\'\'\'The Crankshaft (Part Number 50)\'\'\'

\'\'\'Component Function\'\'\'

The functions is performs include moving the piston up and down the piston chamber, rotating the flywheel, rotating the camshaft, and rotating the pulley system.

The crankshaft spinning causes the piston to move up and down in a constant repetitive motion and at the same time control the camshaft with the gear attached to the crankshaft. This gear moves the camshaft which opens and closes the valves at appropriate times to allow for combustion to occur and let the exhaust out. Lastly the crankshaft controls the pulley system, which allows for the snow blower to be able to pick up slow and throw it out and it allows it to drive forward.

The crankshaft receives rotational energy from the flywheel which spins with the help of inertia. The crankshaft then uses that energy and distributes it to the other parts of the engine it supports.

This component functions in a wet environment which means it requires oil so that the system can smoothly operate and not worry about parts breaking.

\'\'\'Component Form (Geometry , Material, and Appearance)\'\'\'

The general shape a crankshaft is a cylindrical rod. The middle of the crankshaft contains two weights which are in the shape of a rectangle and a half circle connected to each other and these two weights are separated by a small cylindrical rod. Connected to the weights and going outward are two cylindrical rods, one on each side branching out of the weights, one containing a gear attached to it.

This crankshaft is a three dimensional object

It has a length of 12.5 in., a width of 3.75 in., and a height of 3.75 in.

The rod with the gear has a radius of .5in with the gear having a radius of 1in, and the radius of the rod with the threads is .25in, and the radius of the rod in the middle being .625in.

The crankshafts cylindrical rod shape allows it to the rotate at a constant rate, allowing for proper performance of the snow blower. It can also be seen that the middle weights have the same width and height which will allow them to rotate evenly around in a circle.

The crankshaft has a weigh of roughly about 10lbs.

The crankshaft is made out of Armasteel which is a type of malleable cast iron.

Some manufacturing decisions that were made to use Armasteel were because of its malleability which made it easy to create its shape.

Although Armasteel is a good material for crankshafts, other material can be used to replace it, such as cast iron, or steel.

The GSEE factors influenced this decision because the producers wanted to use an affordable piece of material and one that could be made quickly and efficiently. They also have to ensure that the material would be able to last for a long time.

When looking at the crankshaft it can be seen that the rod all have smooth frictionless surfaces while the two weights have both a rough surface and a smooth surface.

The rod that holds the piston requires a smooth frictionless surface because this allow the piston to easily perform its function, since any friction done on the piston can offset the balance of combustion and cause engine failure. The rods on the outside are also smooth because it allows for the engine pulley and the flywheel to slide in smoothly and fit on tightly.

The crankshaft is a silver color which comes from the Armasteel it’s made of. Iron are a raw material comes in a grey color, and when smoothed becomes a silver color.

The crankshaft is grinded on its rods to give it a smooth finish and this is done to allow not only itself to function properly, but allow for other parts to function with it.

\'\'\'Manufacturing Methods\'\'\'

In order to create the crankshaft several steps had to be done. The first step that was done, was that the crankshaft was casted. Once the casting process finished the crankshaft was grinded to give the rods its smooth surface finish.

Generally crankshafts are either forged or casted, and in this particular crankshaft riser marks are seen on the two weights which provide evidence that this crankshaft was made by casting.

The shape does influence the manufacturing process is undergoes because once it’s made it has to be grinded to specific measurements and with it being casted an outline shape is made which can easily be changed.

The GSEE factors also influence this in that casting is done so that multiple crankshafts can be made, so that its economically efficient.

\'\'\'Component Complexity\'\'\'

According to the complexity scale being used, the crankshaft would fall under a scale of 2.

The three categories impact the complexity since they each define how complex the product is.

It can be seen that the crankshaft has several functions that it performs, is a three dimensional object with a specific design layout, and is made to a precise measurement throughout so that the components function properly.

The interactions of the crankshaft would fall under a scale of 3.

The crankshaft is in charge of several functions, some of which need to happen at a certain time and therefore the complexity is high. The crankshaft has to be able to control the camshaft and the piston in a way where it properly allows for combustion to occur by moving the camshaft accordingly. If the camshaft opens up the wrong valves at the point of combustion, the system will fail, therefore the crankshaft size and movement is measured to create for precise movement allowing for the system to function properly.

\'\'\'The Flywheel (Part Number 63)\'\'\'

\'\'\'Component Function\'\'\'

The flywheel which is attached to the crankshaft by a tight press performs the function of keeping a steady rotation so that when torque is applied the speed of rotation isn’t affected.

The weight of the flywheel helps perform this function since it’s concentrated toward the center of the flywheel.

The flywheel stores kinetic energy and uses that energy to also keep the crankshaft rotating smoothly. This component function’s in a closed area just outside of the engine.

This component is placed in a closed area so that no outside source interferes with it which could cause engine failure.

\'\'\'Component Form (Geometry, Material, and Appearance)\'\'\'

The general shape of the flywheel is a circle with small rectangular pieces standing up evenly spaced out in a circle on one side, and on the other side a bowl shape carved out. In the middle the flywheel has a cylindrical opening which the crankshaft goes through and holds the flywheel in place.

The flywheel is a three dimensional object

When looking at it standing up, it has a length of 7.5in., a width of 3in., and a height of 7.5in. The radius on the inside of the flywheel is 3in. and the radius of the gear that is attached around the flywheel is 3.5in.

In order to perform its function well the flywheel has to be in a circular shape. With it being a circular shape the weight is centered toward the middle and it can maintain a proper momentum so that it allows for the crankshaft speed to remain steady.

The weight of the flywheel is roughly around 15lbs, and this weight helps the rotation remain steady. ---This flywheel is made out of cast iron which gives it the weight it requires.

The manufacturing decisions were made to create the flywheel out of cast iron so that the weight would be efficient enough to be able to handle the torque that the engine is producing. Other materials such as steel made in the same shape would cause the flywheel to weigh less; therefore cast iron would be the ideal material for this particular snow blower and similar ones. Other materials who weigh about the same as cast iron on a per mass basis may be considered as replacements, if they are able to take heat well and sustain a good life cycle.

The GSEE factors affected this design because a suitable material has to be used that can sustain heat energy, and be efficient. Cast iron can sustain a large amount of heat since it’s located just outside the engine block making it a suitable material to use.

The flywheel has a rough surface throughout with the exception of the center being grinded to a smooth flat surface which is where the crankshaft goes through and is held in place.

Since the flywheel is only required to be fit on the crankshaft, the surface of the rest of the flywheel just needs to be roughly smoothed and it’s ready for use.

The flywheel is a brown color which at first was a grey color. After time when exposed to the surface, cast iron turns from a grey color into a brown color.

The flywheel as stated before has a rough surface finish which was just smoothed out to not have a bumpy surface by a smooth rough surface.

This surface finish is done for an aesthetic reason, so that the surface is smooth, and for a functional reason which allows each part of the flywheel to have equal weight allowing it the rotate smoothly.

\'\'\'Manufacturing Methods\'\'\'

The flywheel was created by the manufacturing method of casting and this can be seen on the back part of the flywheel which is the shape of a bowl.

In the bowl riser marks can be seen which identify that the flywheel was made by casting it.

The material had to be a heavy metal so therefore an efficient way of making the flywheel in large quantities would be by casting it.

The shape also needs to be consistent throughout so by casting it, adjustment can be made such as smoothing the surface so that no part of the surface is unequal.

The GSEE factors that influence these decisions are that cast iron can hold heat well and cast iron also has a long life cycle. It also doesn’t contain any sharp edges incase is has to be removed and it could also be easily replaced and recycled.

\'\'\'Component Complexity\'\'\'

According to the complexity scale being used the flywheel as a component would be a 1.

This is because as a whole the flywheel doesn’t have much to it, besides the circular shape, a gear attached around it, and rectangular pieces attached around the flywheel lined up evenly.

The three categories show that the flywheel has one main function has a simple shape, and the manufacturing process is simple to.

The complexity of the interactions of the flywheel would be a 2 on our scale.

The flywheel’s mass has to be evenly distributed so that it can maintain a steady rotational speed and store kinetic energy.